Vantage still under fire

Queens landlord Vantage Properties was already hit with a $1 million settlement last month after the state accused the company of harassing its rent-regulated tenants, but it is not out of the water yet. According to the Daily News, Vantage has been in negotiations for over a month in a separate case in which tenants sued for abusive business practices. The 21 plaintiffs, who filed the class action lawsuit in 2009, are asking for between $1,000 and $5,000 each in civil penalties. Their attorneys said settlement discussions are still ongoing, though it remains to be seen whether a deal will come from it. Vantage declined to comment. The next court date is scheduled for April 13. [NYDN]